University of Central Florida Top Questions

When looking back at being a senior all that comes to mind is stress. Oh boy was there stress and I was not prepared for what preparing for college would bring. I was unaware of how time consuming the applications were, and the countless forms that had to be filled out, that asked such detailed questions, such as what color are the socks you are wearing? Knowing this I would tell myself to not spend so uch time worrying about what I'm going to be doing after the football game, and spend more time getting things in line for college. Also, everyone always says that high school is the best years of your life, and that gave me great expecations of high school. Yet, after my four years were over, I was dissapointed and thought that I would have had much more fun. So knowing what I know now as a college freshman, I would tell myself to not worry about '"living the fabulous life" in high school becauce college is the best years of your life, at least so far. You get to meet such diverse people and stimulate your mind in ways you thought wasn't possible.

Knowing what I do now after my first semester at the University of Central Florida, I would tell myself to keep two things in mind during my senior year. First and foremost, I would tell myself to practice my study skills and committ them to memory. The workload from classes overlap so learning how to study effectively and efficiently has definitely saved my grades. Secondly I would tell myself not to be afraid to try anything and everything, excluding illegal activities of course. During my first semester I have met amazing people from an incredible range of backgrounds. Trying interesting things out during my senior year of high school, such as volunteering with a number of organizations and participating with a number of sports and clubs, have made it easy to connect with these people. Experiencing even more would allow me to open up even more connections once I made it to college.

Advice for myself if I knew now what I did know then!.... Be yourself! Don't mold yourself into something that others want you to be. Stay focused on the books, even the smallest mistakes can catch up with you. Be more involved in extracurricular activities, they build character. There will be plenty of time for boys in the future! Pack your lunch.... there's going to be a recession. Apply for scholarships and financial aid, books cost almost as much as tuition. Wear clothing under your toga! Treat your teachers with respect, remember they helped to get you here. Get used to Ramen noodles. Take the SAT test three more times, your score can only get better. Get along with all of your classmates, trust me you will see them again. Stay active after graduation, the freshman 15 is NO JOKE! Get a job and start saving. Have multiple back up plans. Kanye West is going to ruin the VMA's. Invest in a good digital camera, college is non-stop with things tou wont want to forget. Love Everyone! Finally, spend as much time with your family as possible, without them there would be none of this.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would probably tell myself that first attending community college is one of the better decisions I had made in my decision. I would also inform myself to seek the possibilities of schools that are farther away from home and not to fear them because they can bring wonderful experiences if you are willing to take the chance. I think it also would have been a good idea to inform myself of the benefits of getting a job sooner, when it was easier to get a job than it is now.

I would just tell myself that I am smart and I will be fine as long as I do the best I can. Study hard but still allow yourself time to have fun. Once you graduate then you are officially in the real world.

In high school, everything came easy to me. I rarely studied and managed to pull of A's or B's in my classes. College isn't the same. Transitioning from high school to college, I got such a sense of freedom, I didn't know what to do with it all. I loved being able to do what I wanted, when I wanted, without anyone telling me what to do. If I could go back and give myself advice, it would be to put school first, always. I got so consumed in wanting to get the full "college experience", I didn't perform nearly as well in my academics as I could and should have. College should be fun, but my studies should come first.

I would tell myself to have fun in highschool as much as I could while staying on top of my studies because once high school is over college has a lot more responsibilites. So I would have tried to been more laid back but also prepare myself for future responsibilities.

If I could give my high-school-senior-self any advice, I would mention two specific things. First and foremost, I would say "get a job as soon as you move to Orlando and immediately begin saving money. Anything you can put away into savings, do it." I would try to prevent my younger self the worry of paying for emergency expenses by mentioning this. The second thing I would say is "Don't worry about boys and dating right away." I had to learn the hard way that some boys are a distraction from school. My sorority sisters have made me see that no guy is worth so much heartache and stress. Especially, when dating him almost cost me my education, which I now realize would cost me my future and everything I'm working and studying for. All in all, I'd just be looking out for my younger self. Sure I'd reassure her that exciting experiences await her, but I'd also want to be sure that she was prepared.

APPLY to AS MANY universities as possible! Do applications EARLY. Do research on all the schools and visit them. should've, would've, could've!

I would simply tell myself to relax. My knowledge of college was limited to what was provided to me by television or movies. It was a whole world that seemed to large to comprehend. I spent the majority of my senior year worrying whether I would be able to survive in college. I felt like no one would care if I succeeded or not, or whether or not I was utilizing everything the university had to offer. I worried about the infinite papers and endless nights of studying. I stressed over the vastness of campus, and the daunting task of meeting new people. What I have come to find is college is not as scary or unforgiving as the media makes it out to be. It is a place of promise and opportunity, a place that cares if I succeed. In a place like this I found myself at ease. So the one and only piece of advice I would offer the one year younger version of myself is to simply, relax.

If given the opportunity to go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that things always happen for a reason. I would also tell myself that, "Even if studying seems like it's the most inconvenient part of school, you need to do it for at least thirty minutes a day for each class to fully understand what's going on in class. If not, you're going to fail." There are so many things that I feel that I wish someone had told me going in to the University of Central Florida. Though I had taken college classes in high school, nothing could truly have prepared me for what happened when I came to UCF. The last thing I would tell myself is, "Don't give up. So many people do, so even if you see yourself failing, don't give in."

If you are a fairly independent and a driven individual this would be a good college for you. If you don't care about how many students are in your class and do not get intimidated or feel lost in the crowd then even better because a lot of times the class sizes are large. If you like being alone for hours doing homework, then any college is the right thing for you especially this one. If you are motivated and your motivation does not waver thats a really good quality to have for a large university. If you know EXACTLY what you want to do in life, then its really going to be enjoyable. However, if this is not you and you are not sure, confident or need a smaller size classroom where everyone knows each other than a community college or a small college is the best thing you can do for yourself. I wish I would of taken my time, went peacefully to a small college or community college and saved money and the heart ache of feeling lost and unimportant.

I would tell myself to take school more serious. The more you study and the harder you work, the better the pay off will be. Which will make the transition into the business world a lot easier....I'M SERIOUS!!!!

I wouldn't have changed my life experiences for the knowledge I have gained. I have always had to work hard since high school from 9-5 jobs to being a current flight attendant. I haven?t had the option to finish my education due to finical reasons. I always had to put work before school. Now with my experiences it is my determination to add the finishing touches to complete my education by 2011.

Part of the excitement and fun of making the transition to college life is the thrill of being thrown into a new environment that many new stundents may be overwhelmed by. Therefore I would be hesitant to hand back too much advice to my former self as exploring the unknown is the name of the game. However, I might advise myself to take advantage of every opportunity and to make as many connections as possible. Even the ones that don't work out provide valuable experience.

Anais, I know it's going to be hard to adjust to the new college life but here are some tips I know will help you get through it . You're going to feel very lonely, especially in an auditorium-size-class full of kids you don't know, so start becoming more sociable now so it becomes more natural for you to start conversation; It's really not that bad once you get the hang of it! And I know that at first the only thing on your mind is to party, party, party because of your new found freedom being away from Mom and Dad, but keep in mind that you're going to college so you can finally fulfill your dream of being a pediatrician, so start preparing to spend long nights in the library! Trust me, the day right before an exam coffee is going to be your best friend so don't listen to what people say about those drugs can can help you focus better if you're trying to cram before an exam, you're way better off studying without it, and if you can find a study buddy, even better.

I am a completely different person now than I was in high school, I do wish I could go back and talk to myself. I started college as a lazy-unmotivated 17 year old. My first piece of advice would be that attending class is more important than going to the beach. I learned over time that if I applied myself, it was easy to get straight A's. You get great satisfaction from achieving your goals. Next, I would tell myself not to get discouraged if I am not sure which career I want to pursue. A lot of people go into college unsure on what they want to do, there is time to decide, and you may discover careers you never knew about. Also, I would tell myself not to be afraid to ask questions or go to a professor for help. My favorite classes have been where I got to know my professors, and it made learning easier. I try to give this advice to current high school students I know, because I wish I had known this as a senior. In another year, I'll have even more advice, because you're constantly learning new things.

"I scramble into class, hoping this was the right room, clutching onto the multiple textbooks and notebooks in my hand. My hair, which is tied loosely in a quickly constructed braid, has found a way to obstruct my view to my seat. I finally find my way to my seat and search my black hole of a purse for my pencil. "Ah-ha!" I say to myself, feeling more settle then before. The professor walks in just as I have arranged all my books and paper, the lecture begins..." This is how the first semester of college occured for me. Constant chaos and upheaval. But in the end it was all worth it. If I could go back and tell myself what I'm experiencing now and advice myself how to make the transition, I would simply say, be prepared, focused, and determined. College takes more time, energy and above all personal responsibility. I would advice myself to continue working hard and find a way to balance life and prepare myself for more stress and personal freedom. Knowing what I know now, I would also tell myself, when things get tough, and they will, hang in there!

"Terrance, I know that your youth is very precious to you right now, but embrace life slowly. Approach it one step at a time because priorities will be overlooked if you rush. Enjoyment may be strongly desired, but succes in your future is of essence. Possibilities are endless, but opportunities are limited. Therefore, stay focus on what's important like time management, organization, and determination. Change can be critical, but it's a way of life. Take pride in what you achieve and set out to better your accomplishments. Never be discouraged and always maintain an open mind because you are highly capable of excelling all expectations. Just believe in yourself and prove yourself worng by going beyond any doubts and tribulations. I know you will do well. Take care."

I am 33 years old and I graduated high school 15 years ago. I dropped out in 2 years. I got two athletic scholarships to play basketball and volleyball. I was so excited to get out of my living situation as a high school student, I didn't give college much thought. I just figured it would be my ticket to a better place. I really loved the atmosphere of city life. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I started a liberal arts degree and found that partying, hanging out with my friends, and traveling with sports that I forgot about the whole academic aspect of things. I wish I had given thought on what I wanted to do when I "grew" up more than I did. I sit back now and say those words to myself "would have, could have, and should have." Being a single mom now I now know how important it is to have a degree in this world. I definately would have told myself to go to all of my classes, I could have been more disciplined, and I should have tried harder. This time around I will!